I can’t believe it’s June. I’ve been in theater for just over a month and I have to admit, the time is passing fairly quickly. There are two sides to my job: one is basing and life support for Iraqi military posts, and the other is Corps-level planning, which is more complicated and mentally draining than anything I’ve ever had to do. Most days, I only see my little hooch for about seven hours and that’s when I’m sleeping.

The hardest part is still being without Mike, but we talk twice a day normally so that gets me through. We’re starting to look at houses a little and in a few months, Mike may be looking a bit more seriously for us. Hopefully we’ll find what we’re looking for before I return and he can do all the work moving us in!

Every Friday morning, I get a few hours off, and all week long I plan to use that time to take pictures of my surroundings. And then I realize that it’s getting up to 120 degrees and I decide to stay indoors instead. I promise a plethora of pictures this fall when the temperature drops. For now, I’ll post a few pictures taken by one of my colleagues who is an amazing photographer. Lots of love to all of you - Marissa

Part of Phoenix Base, where I work.

This is part of the walk I take from my hooch on the way to the bus.

I can see this building when I walk outside.

A second story view